Horseback Riding

More than two dozen stables and equestrian-tour outfitters in the Valley attest to the saddle's enduring importance in Arizona—even in this auto-dominated metropolis. Stables offer rides for an hour, a whole day, and even overnight adventures. Some local resorts can arrange for lessons on-site or at nearby stables.

Arizona Cowboy College. The wranglers here will teach you everything you need to know about ridin', ropin', and ranchin' in one- and three-day courses. 30208 N. 152nd St., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85262. 480/471–3151; www.cowboycollege.com. From $450.

MacDonald's Ranch. This ranch offers one- and two-hour trail rides and guided breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides through desert foothills above Scottsdale. 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255. 480/585–0239; www.macdonaldsranch.com. From $55.

OK Corral Stables. Half-, one-, two-, and four-hour horseback trail rides and steak cookouts are available from this company, which also runs one- to three-day horse-packing trips. They have the oldest pack station in the history of the Superstition Mountains, and all their guides are U.S. Forest Service–licensed. 5470 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, 85119. 480/982–4040; www.okcorrals.com. From $40.

Ponderosa Stables. Enjoy your South Mountain experience from a higher perch by renting horses at this nearby stable. The private company rents its land from the City of Phoenix, and will take you on an excursion or send you on one of your own. 10215 S. Central Ave., South Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85042. 602/268–1261; www.arizona-horses.com. From $40.